The Associated Press unveiled its Top 25 preseason rankings Monday for college football.
Preseason accolades mean nothing for college teams and coaches, but it gives the working media something to discuss before football season starts. The University of Alabama came in at No. 4 in the rankings, marking its lowest opening spot in the AP Top 25 since 2009. Alabama ranked fifth in the poll to open the ’09 season after a posting a 12-2 record in the previous season.
RELATED: College football preseason AP Top 25 released
The Crimson Tide lost several leaders from the ’08 team, including John Parker Wilson, Andre Smith, Rashad Johnson, and Glen Coffee. People did not know if the 2009 team was ready to become a national champion in Nick Saban’s third year; however, the players had the talent and the group came together. It accomplished its first undefeated season since 1992, captured a BCS National Championship, and produced a Heisman Trophy winner (Mark Ingram) — despite having a low preseason ranking.
The 2009 team dealt with Florida as the college football power, but Alabama knocked it out. This year’s Crimson Tide has a similar challenge. Kirby Smart, a former Tide defensive coordinator, has made the University of Georgia the team to beat as the Bulldogs are back-to-back national champions. National media hails Georgia as the ‘new standard’ of college football, and it is favored to possibly three-peat. Few have confidence in this Alabama team, especially with Bryce Young and Will Anderson in the National Football League. The Tide also graduated Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams, and Henry To’oto’o to the pros. Could we see history repeat itself for Coach Saban and Alabama? It can happen in the upcoming fall.
RELATED: Alabama opens 2023 USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll ranked No. 3
This team has the confidence, toughness, mindset, and desire to prove something as the ’09 group did.
Saban did not have to say much to the 2009 team. The players did the policing and everyone bought in. Alabama has leaders on this team, but will everyone buy in? We are seeing good results so far in fall camp. Some similarities are drawn between 2009 and this edition of Alabama football. It is going to be exciting to watch the unit compete for a College Football Playoff national title.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
